Five arrested for arson attacks

Free Choice Tobacconist on Pier Street, Altona, being looked at by Forensic Officers on Friday, January 12. (Damjan Janevski.) 383127_09

Men from Werribee and Point Cook are among four charged in relation to a series of arson attacks in the past three weeks.

Last week, Wolf Cafe and Eatery in Altona North was lit on fire, before a tobacco store on Pier Street, Altona was targeted two nights in a row on Thursday and Friday, leaving the store completely untenable.

There was also a Sunshine tobacco store hit on Friday which is believed to be linked, as well as two other fires at tobacco stores dating back to December 25.

A 37-year-old Point Cook man was charged with five counts of criminal damage by fire.

A 41-year-old Werribee man has been charged with seven counts of criminal damage by fire.

A 32-year-old Albion man was charged with six counts of criminal damage by fire and one count of aggravated carjacking. A Templestowe man has been charged with with two counts of criminal damage by fire.

All three were remanded in custody.

A 17-year-old Yarraville man was interviewed in relation to an aggravated carjacking and two counts of criminal damage by fire and released pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or sat www.crimestoppersvic.com.au